Team Tony Cancer Foundation

In 2002, Tony McEachern competed in the Raid Gauloises in Vietnam, a grueling 621-mile endurance race. One year later, in the midst of seemingly peak physical health, he was diagnosed with a Grade III Anaplastic Astrocytoma and was given two years to live. But Tony took that diagnosis and battled through it as he did that extreme race. He fought through the pain and the desire to give up and endured. Its been many years since his diagnosis and Tony is still here to share his story of fighting cancer.The battle was not won easily. Tony endured five neurosurgeries, two years of radiation, four years of chemotherapy, and several experimental treatments. He sacrificed hair and peripheral vision to chemotherapy and radiation but never gave up.Although he credits much of his survival to The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, Tony believes there were many people outside of the medical field who contributed to his recovery. He had the constant love and support from family and friends and also other cancer survivors he met along the way.The relationships with others going through cancer are what led Tony to found Team Tony Foundation. He knew it was important to continue that exchange of comfort and knowledge, and for years, it was an informal service. People living in the Sarasota area knew or had heard of Tony, but in 2007 his philanthropy became more organized and mainstream. Tony walked across the state of Florida to raise money and awareness for cancer.It wasnt enough; Tony wanted to do more to impact those battling cancer. So, in 2009, he walked from Durham, NC back home to Sarasota, Florida and raised $57,000 for Duke University to fund brain cancer research. His vision of creating a cancer support organization became a reality in 2010 when the Team Tony Cancer Foundation was officially launched. With that launch, one of Tonys personal goals was accomplished and a much bigger mission was created: to pair a cancer survivor with a cancer fighter so those diagnosed with cancer get the support they need.

TeamTony Cancer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Sarasota, Florida, serving the Suncoast area since 2010. Founded by brain cancer survivor TonyMcEachernwho was given just two years to live back in 2003TeamTony was built on the power of peer support he received during his own treatment.MissionTo ensure no one faces cancer alone by providing completely free, one-to-one peertopeer support and comprehensive resources to cancer fighters, survivors, and caregivers across Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte counties.What They OfferRequest a Teammate: Matches newly diagnosed individuals or caregivers with trained survivor volunteers who share similar diagnoses, gender, and agea Shared Steps through Cancer approach.Peer Mentor Training: Survivors learn how to become effective mentors.Medical Assistance Program: Financial help for treatment-related expenses.Lifestyle Wellness Series & Community Events: Regular workshops, meditation, ecotherapy, and coffee connections to build community and resilience.Resources: Access to fitness, nutrition, support groups, and wellness recordingsall free.Leadership & ImpactTony McEachern, Founder & Mission Directora passionate advocate combining his personal cancer journey with his background in cycling and adventure sports.Lori Kayser, CoFounder & Trainer, specializing in positive psychology.Kelly Deam, Executive Director, with 18 years of nonprofit leadership experience.Over the past 15 years, TeamTony has provided support to countless families, marking a milestone of sustained community care and connection on Floridas Suncoast.Get InvolvedRequest support directly through their Request a Teammate program.Become a Teammate by volunteering as a trained mentor.Support financially via donations, workplace matching gifts, or memorial/honor giftsall tax-deductible.Host a fundraiser or partner with them to expand their reach.HeadquartersTeam Tony Cancer Connection Center3562 SOspreyAve, SuiteC, Sarasota, FL 34239(941)2274404 | info@teamtony.org

In 2002, Tony McEachern competed in the Raid Gauloises in Vietnam, a grueling 621-mile endurance race. One year later, in the midst of seemingly peak physical health, he was diagnosed with a Grade III Anaplastic Astrocytoma and was given two years to live. But Tony took that diagnosis and battled through it as he did that extreme race. He fought through the pain and the desire to give up and endured. Its been many years since his diagnosis and Tony is still here to share his story of fighting cancer.The battle was not won easily. Tony endured five neurosurgeries, two years of radiation, four years of chemotherapy, and several experimental treatments. He sacrificed hair and peripheral vision to chemotherapy and radiation but never gave up.Although he credits much of his survival to The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, Tony believes there were many people outside of the medical field who contributed to his recovery. He had the constant love and support from family and friends and also other cancer survivors he met along the way.The relationships with others going through cancer are what led Tony to found Team Tony Foundation. He knew it was important to continue that exchange of comfort and knowledge, and for years, it was an informal service. People living in the Sarasota area knew or had heard of Tony, but in 2007 his philanthropy became more organized and mainstream. Tony walked across the state of Florida to raise money and awareness for cancer.It wasnt enough; Tony wanted to do more to impact those battling cancer. So, in 2009, he walked from Durham, NC back home to Sarasota, Florida and raised $57,000 for Duke University to fund brain cancer research. His vision of creating a cancer support organization became a reality in 2010 when the Team Tony Cancer Foundation was officially launched. With that launch, one of Tonys personal goals was accomplished and a much bigger mission was created: to pair a cancer survivor with a cancer fighter so those diagnosed with cancer get the support they need.